Financial Support

Unfortunately, there is very little direct financial support available towards the costs associated with dyslexia.

VAT back on computers/specialist software

If computers are bought for home/personal use, the VAT on these purchases can be claimed back. However, the individual’s report must state that the computers/software are essential, not merely beneficial, as a result of their disability in this case dyslexia. The form needed is Form VAT 61A which can be downloaded from the revenue website (www.revenue.ie) or contact the Revenue Central Repayments Office at 047 62100.

Grants for schools to purchase computers for dyslexic students

Schools can apply to the S.E.N.O. for grants to purchase computers and other specialised equipment/software for students with severe dyslexia where a computer/specialist software is deemed necessary (a grant will not be given if the support is merely beneficial). With the schools agreement, this computer could be brought home in the evening for homework and study. The computer is the school’s property, so when the child leaves the school, the computer remains with the school.

Grants at College – The Fund for Students with Disabilities

Study related support for students with disabilities is financed through the European Social Fund for Students with Disabilities. This funding is not means-tested and is available to undergraduate and postgraduate students studying on full-time programmes. Individual Further Education and Higher Education institutions assess the needs of each student with a disability on registration with the Disability Service, and apply for funding in support of those needs, on the student’s behalf.

The process for accessing funding for supports is as follows:

Students must register with the college’s Disability Support Service as soon as possible.

Students must provide evidence of their disability. In the case of students with dyslexia this means a recent psycho-educational assessment report.

A needs assessment will be carried out to identify the supports which will be needed, taking into account the nature of each student’s course of study.

Even if a student feels they may only need minor supports, it is still important to meet with the Disability Support Service early to ensure they are aware of your needs.

Special Education Support Service

The Special Education Support Service (www.sess.ie) provides information, advice on training on all special education issues to schools and teachers. They also provide some financial assistance towards the cost of special education training for teachers.

DAI Funding

In exceptional circumstances, DAI through its fundraising efforts is able to offer some reduced cost/funded assessments where individuals/families are on social welfare or on a low income. The fee for a psycho-educational assessment with DAI is normally €450. In very exceptional circumstances, a reduced rate may be available for people on social welfare or very low income. A subsidy of up to 50% of the assessment fee may be granted in such exceptional circumstances. Applications for a reduced rate assessment must be submitted to DAI at least 2 weeks in advance of your assessment date. Late applications cannot be accepted. Applicants are encouraged to save up some money each week towards the assessment while they wait for an appointment. DAI is a charity, and we are only able to offer these limited subsidies due to fundraising and donations.

Domiciliary Care Allowance

Domiciliary Care Allowance is a monthly payment made in Ireland to the carer of a child with a severe disability who lives at home. While no disability is excluded, conditions are not normally considered unless there is a very high degree of additional care and attention required. Please note that this allowance is very rarely granted on the basis of dyslexia only.

To apply, fill in a Domiciliary Care Allowance form which is available from your local Social Welfare Office or Citizens Information centre. Your completed application form and supporting documentation should be sent to:

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DAI activities are part-funded by the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government (Scheme to Support National Organisations 2016-2019 administered by Pobal), the Special Education Section of the Department of Education and Skills, SOLAS and KWETB.